New Orleans Pelicans: 3 storylines to watch against the New York Knicks

New Orleans Pelicans: The minutes are adding up

There is no rest for the weary in the NBA, especially in this compressed season.

The New Orleans Pelicans are coming into the game versus the Knicks after three consecutive wins, but they are also coming off a packed few weeks. The number of games that New Orleans is playing will eventually add up—if it hasn’t already.

Over the last month, we have seen injury-caused readjustment after readjustment. The starting lineup has changed a few times, as has Stan Van Gundy’s rotation. In particular, the emergence of two new wings has been important for New Orleans.

The main takeaway here is the relative eruption of Naji Marshall. After barely playing in the first few months of the season, Marshall has become a mainstay in the rotation after Josh Hart’s injury. Hart is out of action with a thumb injury.

The former Xavier wing’s minutes have risen in a big way and he has made the most of the opportunity given to him. Credit to Marshall for staying ready.

Marshall is making a difference when he’s on the court regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench. After watching him for the Erie BayHawks in the G League, I initially thought Marshall’s most immediate chance at a significant NBA role would be to focus on improving his shot in order to become a 3-and-D wing.

However, I believe I was mistaken and that, at times, we are too susceptible in looking for arguably the most important archetype in the league. Marshall has instead shined as a do-it-all wing whose shot remains inconsistent, but he is able to somewhat overcome that limitation.

Wes Iwundu is another wing that has seen playing time lately. There is such a scarcity of wings on the Pels’ roster that I guess any somewhat decent player has a solid chance of stepping on the court, but Iwundu is interesting in that he will remain under a tiny contract next season after being acquired from the Dallas Mavericks.

The former Kansas State man is potentially a buy low, sell high type of acquisition. Iwundu looks and moves like NBA wing, but he barely shoots like a college-level player. When he’s playing well, Iwundu is effective cutting and slashing to the basket while playing active defense. However, the openings on the court for him to move around shrink if opponents are just able to completely sag off him.

Iwundu’s shot has not fallen in a Pels uniform, but he had a nice performance last game out against the Sacramento Kings. Let’s see if he keeps building on that.